Methylprednisolone Suspension for Injection

What is this medicine?

METHYLPREDNISOLONE (meth ill pred NISS oh lone) is a corticosteroid. It is commonly used to treat inflammation of the skin, joints, lungs, and other organs. Common conditions treated include asthma, allergies, and arthritis. It is also used for other conditions, such as blood disorders and diseases of the adrenal glands.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle, joint, or other tissue. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

What if I miss a dose?

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

Cushing's syndrome

eye disease, vision problems

diabetes

glaucoma

heart disease

high blood pressure

infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)

liver disease

mental illness

myasthenia gravis

osteoporosis

recently received or scheduled to receive a vaccine

seizures

stomach or intestine problems

thyroid disease

an unusual or allergic reaction to lactose, methylprednisolone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

pregnant or trying to get pregnant

breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take.

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Tell your doctor or health care professional if you are around anyone with measles or chickenpox, or if you develop sores or blisters that do not heal properly.

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

Tell your doctor or health care professional right away if you have any change in your eyesight.

Using this medicine for a long time may increase your risk of low bone mass. Talk to your doctor about bone health.